The ETHOS census shows that some 1,100 EU citizens are living in Amsterdam without a decent roof over their heads. They came here to work, but got into trouble due to circumstances. Michael Sprokkereef, intervention coordinator at De Regenboog Groep: 'Let's guide these people to work and thus help them realize their dreams.'
On Oct. 8, 2025, figures were presented from the so-called "ETHOS count light" in Amsterdam. This census method sees homelessness as a lack of full housing. This also brings into the picture people who now often remain under the radar, such as the young person sleeping on the couch with friends and the divorced working woman who spends the night in her car. Or the EU citizen who gets into trouble after the temp agency puts him or her on the street. The census shows that some 13,000 Amsterdam residents are homeless. Of these, 10% come from another EU country, especially Poland, Romania and Hungary. But there are also people with German, Spanish or Italian papers.
Higher numbers in ETHOS count
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Through the ETHOS census, we have more insight into the scale of the problem, says Michael Sprokkereef. He is program coordinator of assistance to EU citizens at De Regenboog Groep. 'But we also still don't know a lot. Of the EU citizens we help, many live on the streets. We now see this group in the figures. But we suspect that a number of EU citizens who are precariously housed, for example with many people in one apartment, have not been counted. So the numbers are probably higher than those in the ETHOS report.'
Lost housing
Most homeless EU citizens have come to the Netherlands in search of a better life, Sprokkereef continues. They want to earn money for home here, and get work through employment agencies in, for example, horticulture, a slaughterhouse or a distribution center. 'The employment agency often also provides housing. But someone who acts 'awkward' or is suddenly no longer needed flies out just as easily. And thus automatically loses his place to live. Especially if there is more at play - addiction or psychiatric problems, for example - the person in question can sink further and further down.'
Care and guidance
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De Regenboog Groep has been caring for economically homeless EU citizens for years. Each month, social workers see between 400 and 600 people, Sprokkereef said. "We have Dobre 020. That is a street team with social workers and experts by experience. In shelter AMOC West, people can get a shower, food, a place to sleep and new clothes. Social work is also present there. For people who are able to return to work quickly, we offer short-term shelter for two weeks. We then help them find new jobs, among other things. For more vulnerable people, we offer reception for up to six months, including psychiatric help, a detox program or entry into a methadone program. We do the reception together with HVO-Querido.'
Soft landing
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Part of the assistance may also include assisted return to the country of origin. Sprokkereef: 'We have now given some 300 people a return ticket. Such a return is always done in consultation. Sometimes someone no longer has ties with family or a place to stay. Under the label 'soft landing' we have built a network in Poland and Romania with local organizations that can assist returnees. Also if, for example, addiction care is needed.'
European issue
A major problem, meanwhile, remains that migrant workers from EU countries are largely dependent on rather shady employment agencies, Sprokkereef continues. 'The solution here would be for them to simply be employed. Then the gangsters can get out of the way and employers become responsible for taking good care of their employees. That could reduce the dropout rate enormously. Now these temp agencies make a lot of money, but when things go wrong we have to patch people up with community money.' By now, the problem of homeless EU citizens is also much better understood nationwide, Sprokkereef notes, but when all is said and done, it is a European issue. 'It is very nice that Amsterdam contributes to the reception in Poland and Romania. But it really shouldn't have to.'
Make your own money
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Despite wider national attention, the supply of aid remains too tight. The ETHOS census shows that the group is much larger than we can currently accommodate, Sprokkereef said. 'Things have certainly changed, but to me it's still too slow. At De Regenboog Groep and other involved care parties in the city, it's still running over the shoes. He realizes that structural solutions are not easy. More affordable housing is not readily available, nor can the necessary through-flow in social care be accelerated overnight. In any case, more social work and short-term shelter is needed, Sprokkereef says. 'And let's just make it much easier for these people to make their dream come true, which is to be able to work stably and earn their own money. That benefits everyone. Even the employers who are currently still using a temp agency.'
Text: Marc van Bijsterveldt | Photo: Ewa Wielgat
Congress on care, shelter and justice.
On October 16, 2025, De Regenboog Groep is organizing a free conference on care, shelter and justice. The afternoon (12:30-6:00 p.m.) is intended for researchers, policy makers, experts by experience and social workers. How is care for undocumented people organized in different European countries? What about rights of homeless EU citizens in the Netherlands? And how can we make better use of existing space to combat homelessness? There are still places available, so sign up.